I’ve retired! This seems wildly improbable to me. It’s as if I woke up one morning and was told: You’re Norwegian now! Huh, how about that? Well, Norway is lovely. I’ve visited Norway, although visiting and living there are two different things. The Norwegians seem to like it; that’s what they’ve all told me. “It takes a little adjustment,” they say, “but it’s great here!” But mostly I think: I have no idea what it’s like to be Norwegian. I’ve been American my whole life.

So far, I feel in a state of suspension. I am not working, but I do not feel like my life and time is my own yet. Once in a while something hits me. At the end of the day, I think that I should check my messages. And then I realize that I don’t need to do that at all. I leave Friday to visit friends and family in California, so that, I imagine, will simply feel like vacation. After that, who knows?

On my last day of work, I got my hair dyed blue. I have been planning this for a couple of years, so it was not impulsive, although I’ll grant you that it is somewhat unusual! But it is a nice symbol to me that I am not a professional any more. It’s a reminder that while I am the same, my life is not.

I have finished the first painting of this year, although I started it last year. I have not found a title for it yet. I am happy to consider any ideas! Email me (mhill@myfairpoint.net) if you get an inspiration. Here it is.

And here I am with my blue hair! I may need to wear that vest all the time!

Enjoy California! Your hair is swell. Picture: “Red Barn in Cold Winter.” (I like it a lot, could be MN or many places I’d guess. What are the guidelines for naming pictures?) You have finally crossed over to the other side. I still have a list everyday but everyday I am thankful that I am retired.